How Long Does It Take To Learn The Bagpipes? Quick Answer

Musicians, make sure you clean these instruments.

Players of wind instruments like the bagpipes, trumpet and trombone are at risk of developing a rare lung disease if they don’t clean the instruments regularly.

The condition is called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or HP. It’s treatable and most musicians won’t get it. But it can be deadly if left untreated: A new case study tells of a 61-year-old bagpiper who died of chronic inflammatory lung disease thought to be caused by fungus growing in his dirty bagpipes.

Study author Jenny King, of the University Hospital of South Manchester in the UK, says an allergic reaction to substances such as mold, fungus or bacteria causes the condition, causing a patient’s lungs to become stiff and making it difficult to breathe. In addition to instruments, the substances can be found in bird droppings, hay or animal feed, hot tubs, air conditioners, contaminated foods such as grapes and cheese, and other sources.

Doctors treat the condition by stopping exposure to what’s causing it and giving drugs to suppress the immune system, she says.

Would you like to learn bagpipes or pipe band drums? Check out Surrey’s Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band.

Here is a list of some of the most popular tunes played on bagpipes. How many do you recognize?

10. AC/DC – Thunderstruck: Following on from the success of their #7 song on this list, Thunderstruck brought the bagpipes back in 1990. Today, Stuart Liddell of Inveraray, Scotland, is recognized as one of the finest bagpipe players of our time and plays an amazing, must-hear version of Thunderstruck on the bagpipes. Be amazed by his fingerwork.

9. Steve Earle – Cooper Head Road: This song begins with an eerie introduction and continues throughout the song, played on an electric keyboard mimicking the sounds of bagpipes.

8. Paul McCartney – Mull of Kintyre: This song was written in 1977 about love McCartney’s home in Scotland in an area known as the Mull of Kintyre. Most concert-goers these days are treated to this song (along with a local pipe band during the performance of this song).

7. AC/DC – Long Way to the Top (If you wanna rock ‘n’ roll): This song was written by Angus and Malcolm Young and Bon Scott and is one of the first to use the bagpipes as part of a rock ‘n’ roll used song in 1975. Long Way to the Top was released on the album TNT with Bon Scott on the bagpipes.

6. Braveheart theme song: The 1995 film, directed and starred by Mel Gibson, treated viewers to a harmonious song played on what many believe to be the Scottish bagpipes. In fact, however, they are played on the uilleann pipes, Ireland’s national bagpipes.

Now, the top 5 tunes in this list are traditional bagpipe tunes that almost every piper has played at some – if not all – of their career.

5. Theme song from The Dark Island: This song was featured in a 1962 British TV mini-series set in Benbecula off the north coast of Scotland. It then became a radio series. All known copies of the original television tapes were lost in the 1970s, but the song remains a favorite and the radio series can still be found online.

4. Black Bear: Although unfamiliar to most non-players, those who hear this tune will be confronted with an unusual occurrence in bagpipe playing – a loud war cry of “oooooyyy” is shouted by the drummers when bagpipe bands play this tune.

3. Auld Lang Syne: This song was written as a poem in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns. It was later set to a traditional folk song and is most commonly played at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

2. Amazing Grace: Written in 1779 by the English clergyman John Newton, this song is one of the most requested tunes played on bagpipes today. Most commonly heard, played on November 11 by a solo piper at Remembrance Day services and at many funerals and other ceremonies throughout the year.

1. Scotland the Brave: This is a Scottish patriot tune believed to have first appeared around the turn of the 20th century and is played by pipers and pipe bands around the world. This is arguably the most requested tune for any bagpiper, played by those who don’t play the bagpipes.

This top 10 list was compiled by Garth Newlands, Pipe Major of the Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band from Surrey, BC.

Would you like to learn bagpipes or pipe band drums? Check out the Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band giving group lessons at the Whalley Legion on Thursday nights on their Learning Piping and Drumming Program.

You may have seen them at events like Remembrance Day at Whalley Legion, BC Lions Half Time Salute to Veterans, Canada Day in Cloverdale, or Surrey Fusion Fest to name a few.

Learn more about the band and their offerings at www.chcpb.ca/learning.htm.

Beginning of the bagpipes

Why learn bagpipes?

You’re here, so you already have a good reason to learn the bagpipes! Perhaps you love the sound of whistles, heard whistles at a meaningful moment, or want to honor your heritage. Whatever your inspiration, there are many benefits to learning to play the bagpipes.

trust

The bagpipe is a unique instrument… and a loud one! Playing the bagpipes boosts many people’s confidence, especially as they improve. Teens (and their parents) often mention this benefit. And it pays off for them when the skills result in a weekend job or scholarship money. Piping also offers competitive opportunities for bands and solo bagpipers of all levels and ages, opportunities to challenge themselves, meet other players and receive recognition for progress.

“I feel like a superhero when I play my bagpipes” Gabrielle, 15 years old

connection

Starting the bagpipes brings you into a new community. You’ll find the piping community to be welcoming and widespread. There are pipe bands and piping events in cities big and small, all over the United States – and around the world. If you’re relocating, going to college, retiring, or traveling, there’s bound to be a whistle band nearby. The network and camaraderie of friends is just a band rehearsal away when you play the bagpipes.

challenge

Learning a new instrument is believed to be good for your brain, and learning to play the bagpipes is no exception. Piping requires a lot of coordination and finger work. Whistlers also memorize much of their music. Engaging the mind in this way is great training!

First steps on the bagpipes

It’s surprisingly easy to learn to play the bagpipes! All you need is a practice chant, a book and a teacher. The practice whistle is a simple instrument with a single reed. You will always use a practice whistle for practice and learning new tunes, so it’s a lasting investment. Besides the time to practice, it only takes 3 essential things to start learning to play the bagpipes.

A quality poly practice whistle (long is best for adults)

A textbook

A teacher, band, or online source for instruction

What is a practice chanter? The practice whistle is a practice instrument for learning to play the bagpipes. It can be made out of poly (plastic) or a wood like blackwood or cocobolo. Most whistlers use a Poly practice whistler. It is super durable and easy to care for. It travels well and requires no special handling. It can stay in the car or fall off the table… things that just happen. The chanter has a top that you blow into and a bottom that is the fingering part. The sound comes from a plastic double-reed tube that is inserted into the reed seat at the top of the chanter’s grip half. You blow through the mouthpiece. The chanter is played with flat (non-rounded) fingers and produces 9 tones.

Do I need a bagpipe teacher?

Yes, we strongly recommend working with a qualified instructor. Piping embellishments are quick and must be done with precision. Learning right the first time is important. A teacher can provide demonstrations and feedback to help you make better progress. The best way to start looking for an instructor is to search online for whistle bands in your area. Band sites may announce rehearsal times and provide contact information. Some bands offer free weekly lessons for beginners. And if not, they probably have a bunch of names they can give you. In addition to face-to-face learning, Skype lessons and online learning are becoming increasingly popular. You can work with a teacher from the comfort of your own home.

Online Learning with Dojo U

Online learning makes it easy to get started! Dojo University is a convenient, connected starting point for your plumbing. And Dojo U has developed a proven, comprehensive program to support your progress. Try it today!

The Dojo U Bagpipe Tutor includes hours of video content, a 200-page book, and a solid foundation to step up to the bagpipes and play with a band. If you want to connect with other whistlers, participate in discussions and see more content, you can become a member. The Beginning Tutor is free for members!

When will I get bagpipes?

You’ll be ready for whistling after some time on practice singing, learning melodies and embellishments. For many, that’s 6-12 months. But there are things you can practice on a Highland bagpipe from an early age, and some adult beginners like the motivation of having the bagpipe in hand.

I’m starting…again!

Welcome back! You are in good company. Many whistlers take breaks for a few years or a few decades. A lot of. You’ll be surprised how much comes back to you, even if you didn’t successfully progress to the bagpipes the first time. Your original chanter might just need a little hemp and a fresh reed to get going. Let us know if you need any help or have any questions about getting back into the bagpipes.

Hearing protection when playing the bagpipes Back

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There has been much debate over the years as to whether playing in a pipe band can cause hearing damage or loss. From many tests conducted and surveys conducted, it can be concluded that members of a band can indeed suffer hearing damage.

Without hearing protection, members are at serious risk of permanent hearing damage as decibel levels exceed 90. Outdoors, pipes have been found to reach levels of between 108 and 111 decibels. 111 decibels corresponds to the volume of a compressed air drill.

Indoors, pipes can reach up to 116 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw. Small drums can reach up to 122 decibels. The noise level is louder than the noise produced by a jet engine on takeoff.

It has been suggested that regular hearing tests are a good idea to ensure members of the bands do not suffer hearing damage.

In 2006, the Ministry of Defense in the UK ordered army bagpipers to limit playing indoors to 15 minutes a day and 24 minutes a day outdoors. If the piper wants to play longer, he must wear hearing protection.

We’re all used to thinking of bagpipes as Scottish – about as quintessentially Scottish as haggis. The thought that these most iconic of all Scottish objects have any other genesis therefore seems impossible. But are bagpipes Irish, and why doesn’t anyone mention it’s a thing?

The Irish have as much claim to the bagpipes as the Scots. If you want to be pedantic, you could say (correctly) that Irish bagpipes are better known as Uilleann bagpipes.

If you’re thinking of taking up whistling, check out Celtic Croft’s range of practice whistles. You will love connecting to your Celtic roots with traditional music.

Bagpipes, a symbol of Scotland

Bagpipes are perhaps the most famous Scottish icon, but their origins may lie elsewhere. Some evidence suggests that bagpipes originated in Egypt, others that they were first heard in Rome during the Imperial period. But whoever invented it, the Scots have pretty much made this instrument their own over the years.

However, the Irish also claim to play an instrument similar to the Scottish version. The national bagpipe of Ireland is as much a tradition as its Scottish counterparts. However, what they are made of and how they are played distinguish Irish bagpipes from Scottish bagpipes.

While Irish bagpipes are commonly referred to as ‘uilleann pipes’, another term used is the easier to pronounce ‘union pipes’. It is tempting to think that the word ‘union’ represents the union of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

However, that seems unlikely. Instead, “uilleann” derives from the Irish word for elbow. When playing the uilleann pipes, use your elbows.

Similarities between Irish and Scottish bagpipes

Both sets of whistles are traditionally made from animal skin. Nowadays, however, they are more likely to be made from artificial fabrics.

As the name suggests, the “bagpipe” has a pouch into which the player blows air.

The player uses a chanter to create a melody. If you are familiar with wind instruments, you know that you “close” the holes to play a specific note. Bagpipes are no different in this regard.

Differences between Irish and Scottish bagpipes

The Scottish piper traditionally stands when playing and usually plays outside as the instrument is quite loud. The Irish Piper sits and the pipes can be played indoors as they are quieter.

In the Scottish version, the piper creates the sound by blowing the bagpipes. Irish whistlers produce sounds by pressing on the bellows with their elbows.

Irish bagpipes have a wider tonal range than Scottish ones, including the ability to play half notes or chromatic notes.

Scottish bagpipers hold the pouch under the elbow, while the Irish version has the pouch across the lap.

Because the Irish bagpipes are played indoors, they have never been considered a weapon of war. Because of this, they were never banned.

The history of the bagpipe

As mentioned, these may date back to ancient Rome and were brought to Ireland and Scotland when the Romans invaded. Although a similar instrument is mentioned, the first recognized fife playing took place around the 14th century. Demonstrators played the bagpipes while leading military parades, and few military parades today would be complete without the bagpipes.

Because the bagpipes were most commonly played in Scotland, they became associated with Scottish nationality. Consequently, and like so many other symbols of Scottish nationalism, the whistles were banned after the Jacobite rising of 1746.

The most common variant of the bagpipe is the Great Highland Bagpipe. You can also see smaller versions like the Parlor Pipe.

What are bagpipes made of?

As mentioned above, animal skin was traditionally used as the pouch, but this is less common these days. The chanter and whistles are usually made of wood and the drone contains a single or double reed. The blades themselves can be made of tubing, plastic, brass, or metal.

There was a time when bagpipe makers used ivory as decoration, but that is no longer the case. Instead, plastics or other artificial materials such as celluloid are preferred.

Worth knowing about bagpipes

He is often said to have “feathered while Rome burned,” but the Emperor Nero loved to play the flute. He is said to have played an early form of the bagpipes as his city burned around him.

The most commonly played song on the bagpipes is “Scotland the Brave”.

The bagpipe’s popularity grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the former British colonies. In the United States, bagpipes have become so popular that there are more bagpipe bands in the United States than in Scotland.

It is believed that whistles were once used to scare people away from the battlefield. Now, of course, they are mainly associated with leading people into battle, as the piper often leads the march.

There is even an International Bagpipe Day – March 10th.

The Beginner’s Guide to Playing the Bagpipes

If you’re starting to learn this instrument, you probably shouldn’t rush it to buy the complete set of whistles. At this point, simple whistle sets are sufficient as a practice set. Instead, learn the basics on a “practice piper,” an instrument you can use to practice your finger technique.

It’s often a joke that nobody wants to live near the person who’s learning the bagpipes. Of course, the same could be said about learning any musical instrument. The beauty of learning Uilleann bagpipes, however, is that they are traditionally quieter and designed for playing indoors.

If you’re learning to play the bagpipes just for the pleasure of the sound, you’re in good company. It is said that Queen Elizabeth II uses bagpipes instead of an alarm clock to wake her up in the morning. There is something about the bagpipe music that gets the blood pumping and makes you want to march.

Are you convinced?

So are bagpipes Irish or is that a myth? They are certainly not exclusively Scottish as you may have believed. They are one of the few instruments that are almost global in their appeal and popularity.

Start with a practice chant and move on to the right thing when you’re proficient. Be inspired by Celtic music. The bagpipe is an instrument that will always be in fashion.

The 7 Most Difficult Instruments to Learn, Play & Master

The hardest instrument to learn is, to some extent, not necessarily the hardest instrument to master, and that leads to some tough decisions.

What we mean by that is that an instrument can be one of the easiest chords or songs to learn, but at the same time one of the most difficult to really master.

When creating our list, we considered each instrument’s learning curve, as well as the technical and physical demands of playing it.

Here are the instruments we feel are the hardest to learn, play, and master. Don’t ask which instruments are the hardest to learn and don’t let that put you off, be inspired for the challenge.

1. oboe

Even if you don’t think you know what an oboe sounds like, you’ve heard it more times than you realize. The oboe is often the sound that carries beautiful, stirring melodies in an orchestra or many television/film scores.

Before you even start playing, you should know that an oboe requires more maintenance than most instruments. That means more time and money is spent without playing. The downside is that oboists are among the highest paid orchestral musicians.

The first thing that can cause problems is the reeds, which produce a gorgeous tone. Unlike other reed instruments, the oboe leaves even less room for error. The sheet must be in perfect condition and perfectly positioned at all times.

You’ll sound terrible for a long time after you’ve picked up the oboe; you can’t escape that. Unless you have a rare amazing talent, it takes a lot of patience to learn.

The design of the oboe has changed a lot over time; originally it could only be played in certain keys. Now it can be played in any key, but a side effect of the modern oboe is that it’s a lot heavier than it looks.

There are also some tuning issues where not every scale will be perfectly in tune. The player has to compensate for this with approach and skillful fingers.

If you move beyond these issues, you’ll find that it’s one of the most counterintuitive instruments to play. Often you need to lower your hand position to play a higher pitch or raise your hand to play a lower pitch.

Seemingly invented as a cruel joke at times, the oboe is perhaps the most difficult wind instrument to learn. But learn it well and you will be in great demand.

2nd violin

The violin produces one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear when played correctly. However, there are a few reasons why it is called the devil’s instrument; mainly from folklore but also because it is one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

The violin does not offer the easiest time to begin with as it is a fretless instrument. Without frets as a safety net, you have to be incredibly precise to hit the right note.

If you take the lowest note a violin can produce, it’s G3 on the open G string. If you play every note/interval on this string, you can travel just under two and a half octaves on a very short neck. That’s a lot of ways to find the wrong parking space in a small space!

The typical range without getting into overtones or longer fretboards is from G3 to A7.

As with all stringed instruments, it is possible to learn patterns that are interchangeable from one key to the next. However, because the violin is tuned in perfect fifths, you only get seven pitches before they repeat on other strings (51 different notes in all).

Repetitive pitches make fingering more challenging and creative choices, since same pitch doesn’t mean same timbre.

Despite its slender appearance, the violin is a fairly physically demanding instrument. As with the guitar, it takes both hands to produce a note, but bowing is a little more challenging than using a pick.

Not to mention that your bowing has to be as precise as your fingering. The posture for holding and playing the violin can also be tiring.

3. French horn

If you ask people what the coolest instrument they can play, it’s unlikely anyone will say french horn. But the French horn is one of the most versatile brass instruments.

As with the trumpet, you must force air through the French horn while pressing the correct valve key to produce a tone.

It differs from the French horn in that you must maintain a steady flow of air through tubes from 12 feet to 30 feet, making it one of the most difficult instruments to play.

If you’re wondering why so long, this is what gives the horn its versatility; The longer the tube, the lower the note. The sheer physicality of this instrument is why it has such a steep learning curve.

Once you are able to make a tone, you can focus on making the right tone, which is also not an easy task.

The first step to producing the correct pitch is to learn the valve key combinations and perfect your embouchure (mouth position). Different pitches can already be produced with the same valve key combinations, especially in the high-end range. So hitting the right note depends on your approach and airflow. Otherwise you will be upset.

Many players like to put their hand in the bell to muffle/mute the sound a bit. It produces a nice buzz/ring, but it can also shift pitch if done wrong.

Due to the French horn’s shape/design, the sound is not projected onto the audience; it goes backwards. It causes a very small timing issue and sometimes the player has to account for a small delay.

You can begin to understand how difficult it is to just hit the right notes. But if you learn, it’s worth it; You will be an influential member of any horn section.

4. piano

The piano is an excellent example of an instrument whose basics are easy to learn but one of the most difficult instruments to master.

Many music educators prefer to teach theory on the piano. This is because each note is arranged in pitch order from lowest (left) to highest (right). Unlike stringed instruments, there are no repeated pitches.

The piano keyboard layout makes it easy to understand the basic theory and makes it easy to get started playing simple chords and melodies. It doesn’t take long to start playing songs and if you can sing it’s even better.

A piano has 88 keys; Each key triggers a mechanism that causes a hammer to strike the corresponding string. Hammers are larger and heavier at the bottom but get lighter as you go up.

Although the basic theory is easier to understand, the black and white key pattern means the fingering is more complicated. You can’t repeat the same fingering pattern for each scale/key like you can to some extent on a guitar for example.

The amazing thing about the piano is that it can do so many things. You can play percussive, rhythmic, melodic and create the most complex harmonies.

Its versatility is also one of the things that makes it so difficult to master. Sometimes you encounter different rhythms or voicings in each hand that are physically difficult to achieve because there is no pitch repetition. You have to develop feeling and expression not only in your hands, but also in using the foot pedals.

Read our article on the best ways to learn to play the piano.

5. Hammond organ

Different types of organs are difficult to learn, but we will focus on the Hammond organ. The Hammond organ is an integral part of some of the most popular rock, blues, funk and soul songs ever recorded.

This iconic sound isn’t easy to replicate, even if you’re already a keyboardist. You may be able to play chords and melodies, but there’s a lot more to the Hammond sound than just playing the right notes.

A Hammond organ has two 61-key keyboards, also known as manuals. The keys are known as waterfall style and are very light. This makes them easy to play, but they aren’t velocity sensitive, so any change in velocity doesn’t affect volume.

A Hammond organ also doesn’t have a sustain pedal, unlike a piano. You must physically hold down a note for as long as you want it to sound.

They change the sound of a tonewheel organ like this via preset buttons, drawbars, a rotary speed switch, and an expression pedal. To the left of each manual is an octave of preset keys (reverse colored).

Drawbars slide in and out and work like a blender. Each Drawbar controls a component of the overall sound. When a pull rod is fully extended, the volume of that component is at maximum; when it’s all the way in, it’s at zero.

Vibrato and chorus effects are built into a Hammond organ and are controlled by switches with selectable rotation speeds. There are also switches for harmonic percussion; When selected, it produces a decaying harmonic overtone when a key is pressed.

If that’s not enough, a Hammond typically has 25 bass pedals ranging from low C to middle C. Basslines with feet, rhythm, harmony and melody with both hands while continuously adjusting drawbars and switches.

The Hammond is one of the most difficult instruments to play physically. Some people compare playing a Hammond organ to driving a car, driving is easier but worth it.

6. Drums

Drums are on the same scale as piano or guitar in the sense that it’s not the hardest to start with. Once you start going beyond the basics, you’ll realize how difficult it is to master the drums.

When you start playing drums, the idea that you don’t have to think about pitch, scales, and harmonies like other musicians do will seem like a blessing. But drummers have other responsibilities, like keeping time and tempo for the whole band.

Every musician has to think about tempo, but when a drummer doesn’t have perfect timing and a consistent tempo, the consequences are far more severe. Musicians in a band rely on a good drummer to be their metronome.

Now let’s think about the rhythmic independence a drummer needs to have. Playing a simple beat and keeping a steady four beat with the hi-hat is easy, but what about polyrhythms?

Even in common measure (4/4), a drummer can have a different count in each limb. A typical polyrhythm is 3:4, meaning that a three-counter fits into a four-counter, with the one-counter always falling at the same time for both. A complex pattern might see this 3:4 polyrhythm with your feet and a 7:8 rhythm in your hands.

Drummers don’t try to count that while playing, their heads would explode. It’s a feeling that has developed over time and very hard work.

Dynamics play a big part in being a great drummer, and it’s a common misconception among newbies that drummers don’t have to play softly. Playing softly can be difficult on many instruments, but imagine you have a fast tempo and are controlling a strong kick pedal speed; it is not easy.

If you can overcome the rhythmic overload that comes with being a competent drummer, you’re doing well. However, you still have to deal with how physically demanding it is on your body. Go to a gig and watch a drummer play for two hours with very little intermission; It’s like a workout at the gym.

When fatigue sets in, timing, pace and momentum suffer. Persevere, build stamina and technique, and you’ll be the backbone of a great rhythm section.

7. Accordion

The accordion might not be on everyone’s list as one of the most difficult instruments to learn, but we can think of a few reasons to include it.

First, let’s look at the physical aspect of playing the accordion. It is unique in the way you have to hold it and move the bellows in and out.

The bellows supplies air, which allows the accordion to produce sounds. There are also air valves to release air silently. Airflow/pressure plays a big part in the sound you shape.

There are two types of accordions, button accordions and key accordions. Button accordions use only buttons to select notes, while key accordions use right-hand buttons and left-hand buttons. Whether keys or knobs, the right hand is for melodies.

In a way, keyboard accordions are easier to play, especially if you have some keyboard experience. On the left, the first two rows of keys are for bass notes and all others for creating harmonies. The keys are positioned chromatically, which means some guitar chord shapes translate well.

On some accordions, not all, the keys can produce different pitches depending on how you press them. There are some register switches which are basically presets that change the sound of the accordion.

Not only do you have to deal with the concept of each hand playing something that feels completely different, you also have to have perfect timing. The timing of the keys, knobs, and bellows must be in sync to produce the intended sound. The accordion is one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

Despite what you’ve just read, mastering these tools is worth the agony of learning, so don’t be put off.

The reality is that it takes a lot of hard work to become a professional musician no matter what you play. Even with an above-average natural talent, you still need to put in your time and dedication.

The beauty of studying music is that it’s more than education; It’s a lifestyle. Your instrument will become an extension of your personality and creativity, so learn it.

In this article we wanted to know which instrument is the easiest to learn. It didn’t take long for us to realize that this is a lot more complicated than we first thought!

After much research, it seems to boil down to three things:

your age

how much time you have to spend practicing

Your natural musical talent

With these three things in mind, we’ll look at which instrument is the easiest to play. For your convenience, we’ve grouped them by adults and children.

Easy-to-learn instruments for adults

Before you go out and buy an old instrument, it’s best to think about a few things first.

First you need to think about what kind of music you like to listen to. For example, if you like heavy metal, buying a bassoon probably won’t suit your taste or inspire you.

Second, are you ready to learn how to read music? You can learn to play some instruments like bass, guitar and drums without reading a lot of sheet music. On the other hand, taking up the piano, flute or violin means being able to read music, which requires some additional learning.

Third, consider your musical goals. If you want to play in a band, drummers and bassists are always in high demand, while if you want to play solo, you’ll prefer a ukulele, guitar, or harmonica. Of course, if you want to play classically, don’t buy a hurdy-gurdy, but something that fits well in an ensemble or orchestra.

1. Ukulele

The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument typically strummed with the fingers in a lively, simple style. A surprising number of songs can also be played on the uke, and the ukulele is by far one of the easiest to learn.

It has experienced a huge surge in popularity in recent years. Why? Because learning is so much fun. It’s also social. Sometimes you come across huge ukulele gatherings where groups of ukulele players gather to strum along en masse!

You don’t have to learn a bunch of chords either. Some of the best ukulele songs are played with just two or three simple chords.

As for the types, there are four: soprano, concerto, tenor and baritone, each with its own characteristics. The soprano is the one you see the most, and tends to be the most popular (often because it’s the cheapest).

Get a uke teacher or take lessons from a friend who already plays is the best way to speed up your learning. Many guitar teachers also teach it.

2. Guitar

If you’re looking for something a little more versatile than a ukulele, and maybe a little beefier, a six-string acoustic guitar might be the right instrument for you, or even an electric guitar (get one short-scale if you have small hands ).

Guitars are also plentiful, as many people (mostly men for some reason) take it as a badge of honor to have learned to play the guitar. Most don’t get past first base though, and for that reason you’ll find that there are literally tons of decent used guitars floating around. You can snag an absolute bargain if you know what to look for when buying a used guitar.

However, learning the basics is a bit more frustrating than the ukulele. Beginner guitar chords, and especially barre chords, tend to require more finger dexterity.

However, once you’ve memorized a few chords, there are plenty of easy guitar songs to learn.

If you want to go even further, you can work on more advanced things like alternative picking techniques, music theory (like scales and modes) to help you with solo playing and improvisation. There are many excellent online guitar schools that will help you learn as well.

If you plan on putting in really long hours, it pays to invest in an ergonomic guitar chair so you can endure longer practice sessions.

How about the bass guitar? Well, a lot of people try out the bass guitar hoping it’ll be easier than the guitar. In a way, that’s true: there are only four strings. However, the strings on a bass are much thicker and the frets are further apart.

The bass suits some people, whether it’s because they like the sound of the low notes, or the length of the neck (which suits some larger bodies and thicker fingers). You’ll know if the bass is right for you as soon as you pick one up.

3. Banjo

If bluegrass is your thing and you’ve always admired the likes of Earl Scruggs, the banjo might be ideal for you.

The most common type of banjo for beginners is the five-string banjo, which falls right in between the number of strings on a ukulele and a guitar. Just like the guitar, it’s easy to record a few simple chords that you can use to play backing parts on a banjo. There are also many easy songs to learn for the banjo.

Obviously, if you want to progress to the stage where you rip out banjo solos, it’s going to take a lot longer. However, finding a banjo teacher is a bit more difficult than finding a teacher for more popular musical instruments.

Also Read: Our Guide to Playing the Banjo

4. drums

Drums and percussion instruments like the cajon are fun but can be frustrating at first.

The fact that you have to develop “independence” in your limbs can make a lot of cool people lose their tempers, but at least you have the gear to hit and let it go.

Of course this is a loud instrument, but a set like the Yamaha DTX430K (possibly the best electronic drum kit available today) can be used with headphones or an amplifier set to a reasonable volume.

Once you get your basic rock beat started, you can play along to pretty much any rock song. After that, you can progress at a pace that suits you.

Remember that there are all types of drums (check out our list of drums to see them all). Don’t just limit yourself to learning drums, especially if you’re interested in Latin or world music that involves a lot of percussion instruments like the conga, bodhran, or djembe.

5. Harmonica

Some people love the bluesy, folksy sounds of the harmonica.

Bob Dylan, Captain Beefheart and even David Bowie have used it. But is it easy to get?

Well, actually yes, quite a bit. The portable harmonica is played by both blowing and inhaling, and the notes follow in a logical order: from C to D to E to F to G etc. The harmonica is easy to follow and no prior knowledge is required to get started.

However, as with all musical instruments, developing a superior technique and musical level takes time, effort and dedication.

Easy instruments to learn for kids

So we’ve covered some of the simplest tools for adults, but what are the key considerations for kids? Well that’s a whole different matter as kids tend to have shorter attention spans, smaller fingers and of course a little less dexterity depending on their age.

First, the worst thing you can do is force your child to learn something they don’t enjoy, it will take them away from music for life. To avoid this, make sure your son or daughter loves it before you buy an expensive instrument or pay for half a year of music lessons. When kids are little it’s also a good idea to encourage them to make their own music, even if it’s just banging two pot lids together!

Second, you may also want to consider what teachers are available in your area. If you live in a small village there may not be a drum teacher nearby, while if your kids want to learn piano or guitar, experts are usually more readily available. If you live in a city, finding the latter shouldn’t be that difficult.

Third, remember that some instruments are louder and more irritating than others. Your kids will probably love playing around with a drum kit, but the neighbors (or you!) definitely won’t appreciate it.

But what do we recommend? Here are our top 5 for kids.

1. Piano or keyboard

The piano is arguably the easiest musical instrument for children to learn and there are plenty of easy songs to learn.

It’s a great way to introduce kids to music, largely thanks to the simple, logical button layout. All notes are easy to visualize with sharps and flats in black and everything else in white.

Playing the piano also means your child learns to read both bass and treble clefs, a skill that guitarists, violinists and flutists etc. often lack.

The physical side of playing the piano or keyboard is also easy for children because the keys are easy to press down – not as bad as with the guitar, for example, where the fingers initially become sore until calluses form. Some keyboards even come with lighted keys to help kids learn chords and scales.

On a practical level, finding a piano or keyboard teacher will not be difficult, it is likely that schools will offer lessons after class or during lunch breaks.

Pianos are not cheap to buy and they take up quite a bit of space (not to mention maintenance). However, there are many budget keyboards that work well.

2nd drums

Most kids love drums because they are incredibly physical instruments. Getting kids to use all that energy productively is often something parents struggle with, so drums are perfect for your little ones this way.

Of course, a full-size adult drum kit is way too big for younger kids; However, there are many well-made children’s drum kits that still sound pretty good.

Although drums are quite difficult to grasp in terms of dexterity and limb coordination, they allow your child to pick up rhythm and groove exceptionally well.

This is also an advantage if your children later decide to play a different instrument. Drum lessons mean they develop a fantastic ear for timing and music composition in general.

Furthermore, finding a drummer is hard work for most bands. So when they are ready to join a group, they will be in high demand.

Keep in mind that drums are a big piece of equipment and can be both expensive and loud. There’s always the option of an electric kit with a headphone jack if you have surly neighbors or appreciate peace and quiet.

Just be aware that drum teachers can be a little harder to find than, say, guitar or piano experts, so make sure someone is available nearby before purchasing a full kit.

If your child is very young, why not start them off with a homemade drum? They are easy to make from household items and fun too.

3. Ukulele

Perhaps you have a younger child who would like to play a stringed instrument?

If so, a ukulele is a fantastic starting point for them before moving on to guitar or bass. Ukuleles have nice, soft nylon strings, so it’s usually easy for kids to play notes correctly and get a nice tone out of a ukulele. However, ukuleles aren’t designed for playing classical music – more for blues, country, and popular styles – so make sure your child doesn’t want to play classical sheet music before you buy one.

With only four strings, the ukulele is also less theoretically complex compared to a guitar. A reduction in strings means scales and chords are simplified, with less confusing ninth and seventh notes entering the mix. Ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, but they are all relatively small compared to a guitar or bass, so younger children won’t feel uncomfortable or stretch while playing.

Another bonus here is that ukuleles are pretty cheap compared to stringed instruments like fiddles; Even high-end models cost less than $300. They’re also relatively quiet and portable, so you can easily take them to class with you. With that in mind, finding someone to teach your kids shouldn’t be a problem either.

4. Recorder

There’s a reason the recorder is so widespread in schools – it’s a fantastic way for young children to learn about rhythm, creative thinking and music theory. The recorder became famous thanks to the German composer Carl Orff, who wrote many pieces of music especially for children. He believed the soprano recorder would make a great teaching tool and he wasn’t wrong!

What makes the recorder so easy is its simplicity; no strings, reeds or bows are needed – all you have to do is blow. The tone itself can then be easily manipulated with little fingers by placing digits over the holes. So your kids aren’t likely to get as frustrated trying to hit a note compared to, say, violin or guitar. However, to fully grasp the recorder still requires a great deal of concentration, as the breath itself can change the overall tone of the recorder.

Recorders are also small, making them the perfect size for youngsters (or for traveling) and affordable compared to something like a drum kit. So it might be worth buying one even if your child isn’t entirely sure they want to make music, who knows, after a bit of playing around they might want to start classes. With that in mind, schools usually teach recorder in class, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a teacher either.

5th violin

The violin comes last because unfortunately it is not so easy for children to learn the right fingering and tone. However, learning to get the right intonation on a violin will greatly improve your child’s musical hearing.

In addition, the violin is an excellent way for children to develop dexterity and finger independence, not to mention theoretical know-how (the violin is played in the treble clef, so after a little practice your child should be able to read music too).

Violins are relatively small and light, so smaller body types should feel comfortable playing one and carrying it to class.

It is important for your child to develop an interest in classical music as most violin teachers play and take exams in classical music. However, it’s good to introduce your child to the wide range of easy violin songs (like Gershwin’s Summertime) that you can play.

Also keep in mind that a beginner violinist will initially sound very out of tune and even squeaky. So be patient when he starts practicing and make sure he starts with a suitable violin for beginners.

summary

Whether for you or your child, there is no right choice when it comes to picking your first instrument; The best advice is to go with the one you like the most – the rest is sheer determination and patience.

However, if your child is full of energy and can’t sit still then they will definitely enjoy banging some drums, while a ukulele or recorder is a fun yet cheap alternative if they are quite young or small. I will feel comfortable while playing.

The keyboard is very versatile if you have a child who wants to play their favorite songs and a bit of classical every now and then. Why not go all out and find the next little Mozart and buy a violin? With the right guidance, it pays off in the long run. Who knows, he or she might become the next Hilary Hahn!

hp If none of the instruments on this list will float your boat, try something that leans a bit to the left, like a xylophone, clarinet, or bongos.

Much luck!